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Kenny Z., Ford Senior Master Tech

Category: Ford

Satisfied Customers: 4869

Experience: Auto Trans, Drivability and Electrical Specialist

9600325

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2001 Ford Taurus: Fuel smell in cab..rings..gasoline..exhaust

Customer Question

Fuel smell in cab of vehicle, 2001 Ford Taurus. I had the injectors and o-rings tested, and bad injectors replaced. The odor went from a straight gasoline smell (definitely not exhaust) to a slight odor that smelled a little more like oil/gasoline mix. The oil portion of that odor has since dissipated and now its just back to a strong gasoline smell again. It is noticeable while driving when a window is open, and noticeable when windows are closed if the A/C or fan is not on. Turning on the fan, whether A/C or just air seems to clear the air in the cab. It is very noticeable outside of the car, even after sitting overnight. There has been no pooling or dripping in the engine compartment or on the ground underneath.

Around the same time this manifested, the engine began having a rough time getting to idle after cold starts, chugging a few seconds to do so. At idle, whether cold or warm, the engine is clearly missing a couple of times a minute.

Next step is to have the evaporative emissions system smoke tested for leaks. Engine also needs to have a relative compression test and power balance test performed using a Ford IDS scanner at a dealer. Have seen many issues for intermittent misfires at idle from exhaust valve seats leaking. regular compression testing will not reveal this issue. A ford IDS scanner checks compression based on crankshaft acceleration and is very good at identifying this issue. The dealer will also have the smoke equipment for the fuel smell diagnosis. It will be more expensive for diagnosis but at least you should be able to get some solid answers.

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Meet The Experts:

Ron

ASE Certified Technician

Satisfied Customers:

21833

23 years with Ford specializing in drivability and electrical and AC. Ford certs and ASE Certs

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